I just wanted to give an update on my experience with ESG after having a VSG 8 years ago. I lost 120 pounds on the VSG and regained 60 pounds. The surgeons I talked to were hesitant to do a surgical revision due to potential complications. I did an ESG revision 5 weeks ago. Since then I lost 10% of my body weight, which is over half of what I had regained.

I was very pleaded with the ESG procedure itself, I had it done on a Wednesday and was back to work on Monday. I had lost 4 weeks of work with the VSG. My program at the University of Michigan does a full 6 week liquid diet which I contribute to most of the success.

I think the ESG success needs to be talked about more. It's lower risk with a speedy recovery.

I must be slow....what is ESG?

5 hours ago, sprukop0924 said:

I must be slow....what is ESG?

Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty? I cheated and googled but I am no wiser TBH

6 hours ago, summerseeker said:

Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty? I cheated and googled but I am no wiser TBH

It is a non surgical approach to make the stomach smaller. Instead of surgically removing part of the stomach with VSG they go through the mouth with an endoscope to make the stomach smaller. There are less risk of side effects and the recovery is much faster than surgery.

On 11/3/2022 at 2:21 PM, sprukop0924 said:

I must be slow....what is ESG?

There is an Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty Forum here, though the posts are few and far between. My theory is because the recovery is so quick and relatively easy, no one really posts too many questions. It is not yet covered by insurance (even though FDA approved and has been around for years), so most ESG folks are cash-pay patients. But it is an excellent alternative to VSG, especially for folks with starting BMI <40. There are a lot more ESG posts on Instagram, YouTube, and other social media.

On 11/3/2022 at 5:06 AM, pharmboy said:

I think the ESG success needs to be talked about more. It's lower risk with a speedy recovery.

Congratulations! And I agree 100%. The best part is I was able to return to vigorous exercise in a little over a week. Exercise makes me feel good; I am one of those that needs it to stay on track.

Keep us posted on your progress!

Yeah, I really believe that once insurance starts accepting it, probably the majority of people will go with esg. It's just most can't afford to pay out of pocket. If I had the choice years ago, I know I would have choosen esg over lap band or vsg. I recently tried to mention the ESG to someone close to me who is diabetic and obese because he is skittish still about any WLS. It didn't work but I tried.

On 11/8/2022 at 1:20 PM, kaylee50 said:

There is an Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty Forum here, though the posts are few and far between. My theory is because the recovery is so quick and relatively easy, no one really posts too many questions. It is not yet covered by insurance (even though FDA approved and has been around for years), so most ESG folks are cash-pay patients. But it is an excellent alternative to VSG, especially for folks with starting BMI <40. There are a lot more ESG posts on Instagram, YouTube, and other social media.

I'm disappointed that I didn't know about this options BEFORE I had my VSG, although I am very pleased with my progress.